Walking into a barbershop and asking for “just a trim” might seem simple enough, but if you really want to elevate your look, you need to know which beard style suits your face shape. The right beard can highlight your best features, define your jawline, and even make you look more confident. But choosing the wrong style? That can make your face look unbalanced or even emphasize features you’d rather downplay.
So before you book your next appointment at the nearest barber in st. paul, take a moment to understand your face shape and how the perfect beard can work in your favor.
Before diving into beard styles, let’s figure out your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror and take a good look at the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. If you want to be precise, you can even use a tape measure. The key face shapes are oval, square, round, rectangular, diamond, and heart-shaped. Once you know yours, you’re ready to find the beard style that complements it best.
If you have an oval face, congratulations—you’ve won the genetic lottery when it comes to beard styles. An oval face is well-balanced, meaning almost any beard style will suit you. However, a short, well-groomed beard or light stubble works best to enhance your natural symmetry.
Avoid going too long with the beard, as it might elongate your face more than necessary. Instead, focus on a clean, evenly trimmed beard that maintains your natural contours. A classic full beard or a neatly shaped goatee can also work wonders for your look.
A square face comes with a strong, defined jawline. While this is a great feature, the wrong beard style can make your face appear too boxy. The goal here is to soften those sharp angles while keeping things masculine and polished.
A rounded beard style with shorter sides and more length at the chin works well. This elongates the face slightly and reduces the emphasis on a wide jawline. A circle beard or a goatee are also excellent choices, as they bring attention to the center of your face rather than the corners of your jaw.
If your face is round, your main focus should be on adding definition and structure. The right beard can help make your face look longer and leaner.
A beard that’s shorter on the sides and longer at the bottom will help achieve this effect. A pointed goatee, a ducktail beard, or a classic Van Dyke style will work well. Try to avoid full, bushy beards that make your face look even rounder. A little strategic trimming can go a long way in shaping your look.
A rectangular or oblong face is longer than it is wide. The key to the perfect beard here is creating width to balance out the length.
You don’t want a beard that’s too long at the chin, as it will exaggerate the length of your face. Instead, go for a fuller beard with some volume on the sides. A well-maintained full beard or a mutton chops style can give your face more proportional width. If you prefer a shorter style, a well-groomed boxed beard can also be a good fit.
A diamond-shaped face features prominent cheekbones and a narrow jawline. The goal here is to add width to your chin while softening the angles.
A fuller beard that fills in the jawline will help balance things out. A chin strap beard, a thick, shaped full beard, or even a beard with a mustache will work well. The idea is to give the lower half of your face a bit more weight to contrast with the broad cheekbones.
Avoid overly sharp or thin beard styles, as they might make your face appear even more angular. A beard that rounds off the jawline slightly will be your best bet.
If you have a heart-shaped face, your forehead is the widest part, while your chin is more pointed. The goal with your beard is to add some volume to the lower half of your face to create balance.
A full beard or a longer beard with extra thickness at the chin will work best. A Garibaldi beard or even a well-maintained lumberjack-style beard can help fill out your jawline. Avoid beard styles that are too short, as they can make your chin look even smaller.
Now that you know which beard styles suit your face shape, the next step is finding the right barbershop near you. A skilled barber will help shape and maintain your beard so it always looks its best. Look for a shop with great reviews, experienced barbers, and a reputation for precision. And don’t be afraid to ask your barber for advice—they’ll be happy to recommend styles that work best for your unique facial features.
So before you grab the clippers and attempt to shape your beard yourself, visit a professional barbershop and let an expert help you achieve the perfect look. Your beard—and your confidence—will thank you.